Andy JonesBold, black hair is both striking and impactful, but browse our collection of the best short black hair ideas, and you’ll see how cutting it short is an extra show of confidence. Without long hair to hide behind, you must hold your head a little higher and walk a little taller. Whether you’ve already made the chop, or you’re just considering it, we’ve gathered a collection of the best short black hair ideas to inspire you.
51 Inspiring Short Black Hair Ideas To Show Your Stylist
The key to beautiful short black hair, whether you have natural raven locks or you dye your light hair black, is maintaining its luster and shine. Color-safe shampoos and serums assist with shine, but flat irons are the at-home stylist’s secret weapon, as smooth straight hair will appear the shiniest. If you color your hair black, keeping new growth under control is also important. You will need to touch up your roots every three to four weeks to keep hair looking its best, especially if your natural hair is considerably lighter than your preferred shade of black. Additionally, to prevent fading, all black hair should be protected from harmful ultraviolet rays with the use of a protective hair spray or conditioner, and a sun hat or headscarf. Carefully consider how you care for your hair and you will extend the life of your short black hairstyle.
1. Short & Chic Black Wavy Layered Bob
Natural black waves are enhanced by the simplicity of easy hairstyle short bob haircuts. Cut just above the shoulder, the length highlights her gorgeous collarbone, and the natural waves are easily tamed with the use of styling gel or mouse. Curling irons can be used on straight hair to achieve similar results.
2. Asymmetrical Pixie With Cherry Red Tips
This asymmetrical pixie cut is daring on its own, but the addition of cherry red tips takes it to the next level. Very dark hair must be bleached prior to adding color to achieve a vibrant hue, so it’s best to visit a professional stylist to achieve the desired outcome and prevent permanently damaging your short black hair.
3. Blunt Black Bob With Bangs
If you want to give off major Cleopatra vibes, blunt bob with bangs serves serious queen attitude when paired with a dark lined eye and a bold lip. Keep ends trimmed regularly to maintain this precise style. Apply a generous amount of smoothing serum and then straighten hair with heat to achieve a sleek and shiny style on a daily basis.
4. Chic & Shiny Angled Best Short Black Hair Ideas
This is another short black hairstyle style that requires daily flat ironing to maintain a flawless appearance. Short hairstyles for fine hair would be ideal for someone with naturally straight and fine hair. The result of the angled cut creates a multitude of hair ends that need to lay flat and smooth. Without daily straightening, there would be many flyaway hairs, creating a fuzzy appearance instead of the desired sheen.
5. Short Black Haircut With Choppy Layers
Cut just below the ears, this short black hair has plenty of body and texture thanks to lots of layers and a bit of styling spray. This hairstyle is great for busy, working women and moms because it’s easy to maintain on a day-to-day basis; but you will need to get your ends trimmed regularly to avoid looking shaggy.
6. Best Short Black Hair Ideas With Extra Long Bangs
If your eyes are your best feature, but you struggle with thin brows because of over plucking or genetics, you might try this modern take on the fringe. This short black haircut features longer than average side bangs, making it the perfect solution for concealing sparse brows. Pair with bold makeup to avoid your features looking washed out.
7. Short Shoulder Length Black Hair
Here we see shiny black hair cut into long carefree layers that stop even with her shoulder blades. This easy hairstyle is short, but still long enough to blow in the breeze or toss over your shoulder. This is a great transitional cut for easing into shorter hair or growing hair longer. Brown hair with blonde highlights also works well with this style.
8. Short Black Soft Layered Hairstyle
This short black hairstyle is cut in a soft, side-swept layers that stop just above the shoulders. To create lift at the roots, apply a volumizing spray to damp hair and turn your head upside down while blow-drying. Gently curl the rest of the hair to add body, and complement the look with minimal makeup and accessories.
9. Sleek And Shiny Short Black Hair
If you prefer a timeless classic, a sleek and shiny neck length bob may be the best hairstyle for you. If you have very dry hair, but still want it to shine, try adding a lightweight hair serum to your daily repertoire for hair that is shiny without being weighed down by oils. Or, try shampooing every other day for less dry hair.
10. Short And Sophisticated Best Short Black Hair Ideas
This gorgeous black hair is cropped short with the exception of long, layered bangs that frame and soften the face. Bangs can be worn straight, but are pictured here with curls. Be sure to use a moisturizing styling gel for soft, yet defined curls that will stay in place all day. This style is equally suited for a day in the boardroom or a night on the town.
11. Tousled Black Bob With Bangs
This short mid-jaw length black bob is made even more beautiful by the addition of volume and texture. Use a texturing spray and scrunch the hair with fingers while damp to recreate this look. The tousled texture keeps the overall vibe relaxed and adds a carefree element to this hairstyle.
12. Short Black Hair With Cropped Layers
This cropped black hair is cut is longer on the top with side-swept layers that frame the face, gradually becoming shorter toward the back and sides. The back is stacked into multiple short layers that are tightly curled for added style and definition nicely contrasting with the looser curls near the face.
13. Short Black Hair With Tight Coils
These beautiful black curls are absolute perfection. If you aren’t blessed with curls like these, a similar look can be achieved by wrapping small sections of damp hair around short straws and allowing hair to set. For best results, apply setting lotion prior to styling and hit a hair with a quick blast of heat afterward. (Take caution not to melt the straws.) Allow hair to cool, remove straws, and separate with fingers for optimal results.
14. Gilded Era Glam Black Bob
There’s no better way to bring the glamor of the gilded age into the current era than with the iconic 1920s flapper bob. The cut of this short black hairstyle is angled toward the jawline, highlighting her shapely lips, while also exposing her long, elegant neck and accenting her high cheekbones. She’s paired with black mascara and a jewel-toned lipstick to complete the look.
15. Short Black Grunge Bob With Bangs
If grunge is your thing, there is no easier way to let it be known than with your hair. Opt for short black hair that’s just slightly textured and flipped at the ends. Frame your face with baby bangs, and complete the grunge look with a black velvet choker and light makeup. If you can’t commit to baby bangs, you can create faux bangs with a clip-in extension in the same or contrasting color.
16. Intense Midnight Blue Angled Bob
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades of black. Adding vibrant color is an easy way to update the angled bob. Midnight blue combines shades of both black and blue to liven up dull hair and add dimension to dark strands. Straighten and smooth hair to allow intense blue tones to really pop.
17. Short And Curly Black Curly Pixie Cut
Here we see naturally curly hair cut into a stylish pixie. Just because there isn’t much hair to work with, doesn’t mean your options are limited. Since the focus is on your face and accessories, you’re free to experiment with bold makeup and big jewelry. Slick down baby hairs with styling gel and a small brush for a flawless finish.
18. Short Black Shag Haircut For Women
This short black hairstyle proves that the shag is not a dated look and it can still be worn with confidence by women of all ages and with all hair textures. This carefree bohemian style requires minimal styling to achieve the desired result. Simply apply styling products and finger comb hair. Nothing more required.
19. Sassy Black Slightly Angled Bob
This head of shiny, short black hair has been skillfully cut into a slightly angled bob with a deep side part and subtle layers. The hair around the face has been cut into short layered bangs that can be worn across the forehead or swept to the side as shown here. Pair this pretty hairstyle with a flawless face of makeup to finish the look.
20. Basic Black Bob With Bangs
This short black haircut has been a staple in women’s hairstyles for many years, and with good reason. The basic bob is universally flattering among women of all ages. You will spot this style across a broad spectrum of women, ranging from elementary school girls all the way to stylish septuagenarians. Here we see the basic bob parted to the side and worn straight.
21. Faded Crop Under Cut For Women
This faded crop undercut hairstyle for women combines a close cut crop with defined curls on top with an undercut featuring faded accents on the bottom. Whether you tend not to conform to traditional gender norms, want to experiment with androgynous styles, or just want to accentuate an existing crop cut, the faded undercut crop will modernize this classic crop.
22. Short Black Curly Afro Haircut
This beautiful naturally curly afro is left largely untouched with the exception of curl defining and shine-enhancing cream. This low maintenance short black hairstyle will free up extra time in your morning routine. While no accessories are needed, the bright yellow flowers really stand out against the backdrop of ebony curls.
23. Modern Black Page Boy With Choppy Bangs
Another timeless classic is the page boy haircut. This modern take on the page boy features blunt layers and choppy bangs. You will need to keep your roots well maintained to wear this short black hairstyle because new growth will be highly visible to others.
24. Wavy Layered Short Black Hairstyle
This short layered bob is styled with a center part, bangs and loose waves to right below the chin. The side part nicely complements her oval face and the wispy bangs frame her face while allowing her amazing eyebrows to take center stage. Dark eye makeup and a crimson lip complete the look for this short black haircut.
25. Short Black Hair With Finger Coils
Short black hair is parted to the side and finger coiled to create a head full of tightly wound locks. Finger coils are achieved by twisting hair tightly around your index finger, working your way from the roots to the ends, until it’s all twisted into a long, tight coil. A generous amount of styling product ensures the ends don’t unravel and look messy. This style takes considerable time to create, but it’s worth the effort for a style that lasts a week or longer.
26. Side Swept Layered Pixie With Highlights
A short side-swept pixie cut is versatile enough to be both playful and professional, allowing you to easily transition from work to happy hour. This easy hairstyle is made even better with subtle blonde hair color highlights at the tips. Bleaching black hair can cause damage if not done properly so it’s best to visit a professional stylist to achieve optimal results.
27. Short Black Hair With Defined Curls
To achieve defined curls like these, apply setting lotion to clean, tangle-free, damp hair prior to installing rollers, and then allow to dry overnight or set with a hairdryer. Remove rollers from cool, dry hair and reshape the curls without combing or brushing, allowing the curls to fall naturally. After a day or two of wearing this short black hairstyle, you can comb through the curls and transition to loose waves instead.
28. Blunt Black Bob With Center Part
This blunt black bob hits just above the collar bone and her shiny black locks are parted down the center. A midnight blue rinse is applied to enhance her natural black hair and finished off with an all-over gloss treatment to lock in moisture and shine. A black cherry rinse or another tint could also have been used to highlight her black hair.
29. Graduated Pixie Cut On Black Hair
This trendy short black haircut is known as a graduated pixie. The hair on top is cropped short like a traditional pixie cut, while the hair at the nape of the neck is allowed to grow slightly longer like it’s cousin the bob. This is a good hairstyle to try when growing out a closely cropped cut, or if you are easing yourself into a crew cut.
30. Edgy Short Black Bob With Attitude
This short black hairstyle is an entire mood. Pair with a bright red lipstick for a look that’s both sophisticated and fierce. Use a flat iron and smoothing serum as part of your daily hair care routine to control frizz and fly away hairs. Remember to protect your black hair with a hat or protective spray when outside to prevent color from fading.
31. Side Swept Pixie With Thick Bangs
This short black haircut is perfect for the professional woman. A deeply parted, side-swept pixie cut is paired with thick bangs to create this chic style that offers the convenience of low maintenance with the appeal of near-constant perfection. Apply a generous amount of hair spray and even a strong breeze won’t muss this easy hairstyle.
32. Short Black Wavy Layered Hairstyle
This short layered bob is ideal for women with natural waves, but if your hair is straight, you can add beachy waves with no heat. Start with towel-dried hair and apply a pomade or other styling agent. Then, braid hair into multiple small, loose plaits, ensuring uniform size all around. Let hair air dry and comb through for natural waves that last all day.
33. Textured Cropped Short Black Hair With Fade
Embrace naturally curly hair by cutting hair into a textured crop with fade. The top highlights a tight curl pattern and the fade element of this style introduce unique opportunities for personalization. Etch your initials or a design of your choice into the side or back of your head or just keep hair cut even all around.
34. Sleek And Sophisticated Short Black Hair
This chic black haircut is sophisticated in its simplicity. A blunt black bob is parted neatly down the middle with no bangs and styled smooth and straight to enhance natural luster. This flattering haircut pairs well with a bright red lip, but also looks nice with a natural face.
35. Short Black Hair With Messy Layers
A short black haircut with messy layers is a fun and playful take on the bob. This look is perfect for hanging out with friends and family or posting selfies to social media. Regardless of how you plan to spend your time, make sure you look your best by keeping new growth under control with regular root touchups.
36. Grungy Inspired Short Black Haircut With Bangs
Long, blunt bangs top off choppy uneven layers in this grunge-inspired hairstyle. A slouchy beanie does double duty as both a stylish accessory and a protective layer to prevent color fade. Inject some extra style by dying your bangs an unexpected color.
37. Retro 80s Black Bowl Cut
Gather hair inspiration from vintage 1980s pop culture photos and experiment with a retro black bowl cut similar to this one. Bowl cuts used to be synonymous with home haircut disasters, but now the single length look is trending again. Try pairing with suspenders and a fedora to fully commit to this Brat Pack inspired style.
38. Straight Black Lob With Side Swept Bangs
Straight black hair is styled into a short black lob with long, relaxed layers and subtle side-swept bangs. Dyed hair can be dry and frizzy so she is sure to use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner every day. A hydrating hair mask can be used for an intense moisture infusion.
39. Wavy Short Black Hair With Bangs
Highlight delicate features with a chin-length bob featuring thick fringe bangs and plenty of natural body. Wear it loose for day to day activities, or pull the top half of the hair up into an elegant updo for dressier occasions. Regardless of how it’s styled, this head of short black hair is stunning.
40. Short Black Lace Front Wig
Look amazing in a short black lace front wig with extreme side part and long sleek layers. Ensure your hair always looks its best by purchasing a quality pre-styled wig. Lace front wigs are designed to blend seamlessly into your natural hairline so no one will be the wiser to your little secret.
41. Black Pixie With Cherry Red Highlights
Short black hair is cut into a stylish pixie cut with long bangs and slicked backsides. The crown is highlighted with cherry red streaks and bangs are gently curved to frame the face. Apply moisturizing gel to set curls in place and use a generous amount of styling cream to keep hair smooth for extended wear.
42. Blunt Black Bob With Baby Bangs
A blunt bob with baby bangs is a fresh take on the traditional bob hairstyle. This style is currently due to the baby bangs that end mid-forehead. A blunt cut also makes the style more modern. For an even more unique take on the bob, you could try bleaching tips or adding a bright color to the ends.
43. Asymmetrical Pixie Bob With Under Cut
This asymmetrical pixie bob with a deep side part and single undercut is a unique expression of personal style. This is an edgy and fashion-forward look that can be personalized by altering the length of the hair in the undercut, shaving designs into the undercut, or by undercutting hair all around the head.
44. Shoulder Length Short Black Hair
Straight shiny hair is cut to shoulder length with long layers to soften the face. Sleek hair as pictured here can only be achieved with the use of an anti-frizz serum and heat to straighten and smooth locks. Even naturally straight hair would benefit from a frizz eliminating treatment.
45. Short Black Hair With Corkscrew Curls
Don’t believe you can wear bangs because your hair is naturally curly? Think again, because corkscrew curls look just as cute with bangs as straight hair does. Make sure to include tapered layers into your short cut so hair won’t look poofy. Curls might even appear bouncier and fuller after a trim because there will be less weight to pull curls down.
46. Short Black Textured Pixie Cut
Perfect for women who are always on the go, this no-fuss, the short black haircut will take just minutes to style each day. No appliances or accessories are needed, just a small amount of product and minimal effort will highlight hair’s natural texture, leaving you more time to take care of business. A hairstyle this simple pairs nicely with a bare face and minimal accessories.
47. Short Black Lob With Beachy Waves
This tousled wavy layered bob has a lot of volume and movement. Shoulder length black hair is cut into long face-framing layers. Create beachy waves while you sleep by loosely braiding damp hair into multiple braids before bed. When you wake, remove braids and comb through hair to reveal loose relaxed waves. Minimal makeup is all that is needed to accompany this hairstyle.
48. Textured Black Pixie With Faded Under Cut
A gently curled pixie cut is a unique topper for a faded undercut with designs shaved into the fade. This design features inverted pyramids, but you can choose any symbol that is significant to you. Make sure to use a curl defining styling gel to achieve defined curls and apply plenty of oil to the undercut to keep skin from drying out.
49. Defined Finger Curled Pixie Bob
This short black pixie bob is enhanced with voluminous, clearly defined finger curls. If you have naturally curly hair, you can achieve long-lasting results by finger curling your hair. Begin by applying a curl enhancing cream throughout hair and then wrap small chunks of hair around your finger to create large curls. Don’t separate until completely dry to avoid creating frizz.
50. Short Black Haircut With Middle Part
This relaxed natural black hairstyle hits right above the shoulders and features long layered hair, loose curls, and a straight middle part. If you get bored with a middle part and curls, you can always experiment with straight hair and a side part instead. And, if it doesn’t work out, there’s no commitment.
51 Stylish Short Black Hair Ideas To Motivate You
Options are endless for short black hair. From crew cuts to layered bobs, and every combination of length in between, there are short hair ideas for both straight and curly black hair, as well as options for personalizing with color or undercuts. From playful to professional, you’re sure to find a short black hairstyle that suits your needs. Choose one that inspires you and give it a try today. Now that you’ve gone through these gorgeous looks, don’t forget to also take a look at the prettiest short blonde hair ideas!
